That was an excellent one.
... View MoreI am only giving this movie a 1 for the great cast, though I can't imagine what any of them were thinking. This movie was horrible
... View MoreStrong acting helps the film overcome an uncertain premise and create characters that hold our attention absolutely.
... View More.Like the great film, it's made with a great deal of visible affection both in front of and behind the camera.
... View MoreA politically-conscious documentary that steps in to cover the months after world-famous doper Tommy Chong's arrest (for the illegal cross-state sale of glass pipes) but before his nine-month prison sentence. Along the way, we get a quick-and-dirty look at the polarizing comedian's life and times, the roots of his legendary partnership with Cheech Marin, and the state's over-ambitious case against him. Judging by the facts we're presented, there's little question Tommy was entrapped and railroaded by a media-hungry federal watchdog group, but to his credit Chong takes it all in stride, serves his time and emerges ready to take up the cause as a rejuvenated activist. Pro-legalisation viewers will be nodding their heads like a bobble-head from start to finish, while the peek into our government's priorities, practices and punishments might give fence-sitters a few new things to consider. Moral crusaders, on the other hand, will see an entirely different story. At just shy of 80 minutes, it only scratches the surface of an intrinsically deep, complicated political debate. Light viewing with a few mild laughs, it reports the facts and offers a take but isn't equipped to do any really heavy digging.
... View MoreThis movie blew me away at the U.S. debut (Palm Springs International Film Festival). It is a documentary about how Tommy was targeted in a DEA sting operation codenamed "Pipe Dreams". Tommy was arrested in 2003 along with several others in what appears to be a clear entrapment case. Tommy received the harshest sentence of all the defendants and had to serve 9 months prison time in a small California town named "Taft". Although the movie deals with an inherently controversial subject, it makes you wonder why they seem to have really socked it to Tommy as punishment for exercising his 1st amendment rights and making some great films that were loved my many and hated by a few. Hidden a little at first, but inter weaved in the fabric you will also find a story of true love and unconditional devotion... A family that loves each other and sticks together through thick and thin. Shelby and Tommy made sure to greet every moviegoer at the premiere and are two genuinely nice folks who may have achieved unwanted martyrdom but seem to deal with it in a very positive manner. Will see again and take my friends!
... View MoreI caught a screening of "a/k/a Tommy Chong" at the Toronto Film Festival, and I have to say it's one of the best docs I've seen in a long time. The subject itself is fascinating, but what's even cooler is the access the filmmakers had to Chong himself. The film reveals the personality behind the persona--all while giving an in-depth look into the life of a comic legend. In addition,the film gives an extremely eye-opening look at drug policy in this country. I don't think that most people realize the roots of the most of the drug laws in the U.S. are based in racism, and this film does a great job of exposing that in a non-preachy (even hilarious!) manner. Anyone who has the chance should absolutely catch "a/k/a Tommy Chong."
... View MoreIt should have been called Farenheit 420, AkA is the best Documentary to ever come out!! Revealing who the person is behind the huge cloud of white smoke and bushy beard. AkA Tommy Chong should be seen by all, who appreciate CHONG and what his "Cheech & Chong" legacy stand for, if you have not seen it, your missing out on another piece of there vintage collection. AkA Tommy Chong will go down in history as the voice of all stoner's, that say screw the politics this should be legal! God grows this stuff, the fact that medical patients who are dying find some relief, and can still be charged as a criminals is stupid. Tommy's character is the Hemp Messiah, Pope of Pot, he stands for an entire culture, Hollywood and all those exec's under-estimate his popularity, I remember when he was the biggest star on That 70's Show, and when they had to keep his lines short in front of the studio audience, to sustain the chanting Chong-Heads in the audience. Look Out World here comes not just a movie, but a movement.
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